3D Locking Mechanism

ABSTRACT

A three-dimensional puzzle and interlocking system having a set of interlocking elements capable of being joined together to form a piece of a puzzle game that constitutes a three-dimensional pictorial representation of a structure or object. In one embodiment, the set of interlocking elements comprises a first element that interlocks with another matching piece. The first and the second elements are provided with image-bearing surfaces that constitute individual pictorial entities contributing to a complete representation of the structure or object.

This application emanates from a previously filed provisionalapplication No. 61087309 filed on Aug. 8, 2008

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of this invention to provide a three-dimensionalinterlocking system having a set of interlocking elements capable ofbeing joined together to form a piece of a puzzle game that representsan image or character.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multi-piece puzzles have been around preoccupying human beings forcenturies. By far the most common is the picture puzzle containingdovetailed-type jointed members, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,086,067 and 5,860,650 interconnected into a 3-D castle. More often,dovetailed-type jointed picture puzzles are assembled atop a flatsurface such as a coffee table. Quite different from the traditionalpicture puzzle is the instant invention. According to the invention, thereleasable friction-interlock feature of juxtaposed beveled planesallows elements shaped into components (that yield, when arranged, animage) to be slid into a tiered 3-D structure of that image. Though atfirst glance, the images assembled using the elements of the inventionappear to have visual similarities to those found in wooden mosaic-likeintarsia plaques created using a scroll-saw to cut out shapes from woodwhich are permanently glued together in ornamental fashion, a closerlook reveals that the unique elements of the invention assembled intothe 3-D structures disclosed herein are dramatically different.Traditionally, intarsia pieces are cut from different types of wood ofdiffering thicknesses selected according to its final thickness withinthe finished, glued-together plaque. Intarsia plaques are merely wooden3-D mosaic-like inlays that are permanently glued for ornamental use.Another type of inlaid ornamental plaques is referred to as ‘marquetry’created by slightly tilting a scrollsaw table to saw a taper betweeninlay pieces which are then press-fit together with adhesive therebetween to form permanent bonds between the pieces. The end productscrollsawn marquetry is an image permanently inlaid in mosaic-fashionplaned flat on top. Plaques constructed into intarsia or as marquetryare not meant to be disassembled.

As one can see, unlike conventional puzzles and educational toys, theinnovative elements adapted for arrangement intofrictionally-interlocked 3-D structures of pre-selected images, as wellas the associated technique of so arranging according to the invention,provide for continued assembly and disassembly of the elements in avisually appealing manner. In the spirit of design goals contemplatedhereby, many different types of materials, fabrication/molding/machiningtechniques, and many different image patterns representing inanimateobjects (vehicles, buildings, bikes, and so on), celestial bodies(planets, comets, stars, and the like), maps (street-city, country,state, world, topographic, etc.), mammals, plants, and theirbio-components (skeletons, cell structure, etc.), and a whole host ofmiscellaneous graphic designs (including abstract designs), can beincorporated to create applicant's unique 3-D structures, as will befurther appreciated.

Traditional foam toys may easily fall apart. The parts may not be veryflexible, causing the components to separate when being played with by achild. Constantly having to try to rebuild toys can be time consumingand frustrating

My special 3D Locking Mechanism provides consumers with a simple andefficient way to build a foam, rubber, or other pliable material into atoy that can be enjoyed by children. This unique product actually allowschildren to play with a foam toy, unlike traditional foam playthingsthat are too rigid and easily fall apart if disturbed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The 3D Locking Mechanism is a pliable device with components that fittogether to form many types of toys. The base component is strong andshort, adding to the overall durability of the product. The interlockingpieces are made of a variety of different shapes, including diamonds andoctagons,etc. The tip of each interlocking piece comes to a triangularpoint or rounded top, making the lock stronger at the bottom and moreflexible at the top. The locking mechanism could be used in any shapesuch as an octagon, arrow, star or circle. the An example is a3D Puzzlethat may be the shape of animals, vehicles, dinosaurs, structures, 3Dart, etc. Other variations may also be available.

Parts could be interchangeable with other toys along a similar productline, such as an elephant's head on a dinosaur's body. This allows thechild's imagination to allow many combinations. This item may beproduced in a variety of different sizes and colors to accommodate userpreferences. Toys could be more complex such as making sound effects ormusic when put together. Another pliable material besides foam could beused, such as rubber. This could be used in combination with plastics orother non-pliable materials to make other types of objects such astools, play sets, and children's furniture. A version for toddlers thatutilizes a lighter, less dense, and durable foam may be produced. Thisitem's locking mechanism could be implemented into current toys on themarket to make them into a 3D puzzle. Children of all ages may be ableto utilize this product. There may be a different product line forvarying ages. The technology used in this product may also be utilizedto form a gummy candy The exact dimensions, materials used forconstruction and method of operation of the 3D Locking mechanism mayvary upon manufacturing.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a newand improved 3D Locking Mechanism as a simple and strait forward lockingdevice that can be used for just about anything in everyday life thatcan be taken apart and put back together.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a new andimproved 3D puzzle which may be the shape of an animal, vehicles,dinosaurs, structures, 3D art, etc. Basically the ideas are limitless

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a new andimproved 3D puzzle which could be more complex such as making noises ormusic when put together

Accordingly, it is a object of the invention to provide a new andimproved 3D puzzle using another pliable material could be used such asrubber. This could be used in combination with plastics or other nonpliable materials to make other types of objects such as tools, playsets, and children's furniture.

Accordingly, yet another object of the invention is to provide a new animproved 3D puzzle with a locking mechanism which could be used in anyshape such as an octagon, arrow, star, circle . . . etc.

Accordingly, yet another object of the invention to provide a new andimproved 3D puzzle which can be Implemented in to gummy candy

Accordingly, yet another object of the invention to provide a new andimproved 3D puzzle whose parts could be interchangeable with other toysalong similar product line, such as an Elephants head on a dinosaur'sbody. This allows the child's imagination to allow any combination.

Accordingly, yet another object of the invention to provide a new andimproved 3D puzzle whose locking mechanism could be implemented intocurrent toys on the market to make them into a 3D puzzle

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is the front/left side view of the device.

FIG. 2 is a cut away view of the front/left side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1

1. Material being used for male part of the object (Rubber, Foam, etc.)

2. Triangular or Triangular(Rounded top) of locking flare.

3. Unique Shape of locking piece.

4. Inner female area of locking piece with guiding. Exact shape of outermale locking piece, just hollow.

5. Material being used for the female inner object (Rubber, Foam, etc.)

FIG. 2

1. Material used for the male outer object (Rubber, Foam, etc.)

2. Triangular or Triangular(Rounded top) locking piece.

4. Inner female area of locking piece with guiding s Exact shape ofouter male locking piece, just hollow.

5. Material being used for inner object (Rubber, Foam, etc.)

6. Inner female Triangular or Triangular(Rounded top) locking piece.Opposite of outer male locking piece.

1. A three dimensional locking mechanism comprised of a multiple sided,elongated male shaft (3) with a locking flare (2) half way down theshaft and a concave female receiving section (4) of the same shapeinverted with a locking recession to match the male flare (6).
 2. Athree dimensional locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the mechanism canbe used on any toy or shape.
 3. A three dimensional locking mechanism ofclaim 1 wherein the material is pliable.
 4. A three dimensional lockingmechanism of claim 1 wherein the mechanism can be used to replace otherattachment means.
 5. A three dimensional locking mechanism of claim 1wherein the device is constructed of resin based material.
 6. A threedimensional locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the female receivingsection embodies an entrance wider than the shaft for easier connection.7. A three dimensional locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the lockingflare embodies 2 sides angled to form a point in the middle.